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Gamete Selection for Simultaneous Improvement of Multiple Traits in Common Bean
Author(s) -
Singh Shree P.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1994.0011183x003400020008x
Subject(s) - biology , selection (genetic algorithm) , zygote , genetics , gene pool , trait , microbiology and biotechnology , evolutionary biology , gene , genetic diversity , population , demography , artificial intelligence , sociology , computer science , embryogenesis , programming language
A successful crop improvement program depends upon the ability of breeders and geneticists to effectively and efficiently create, identify, and select recombinant genotypes with a maximum number of desirable traits in the shortest time possible. Therefore, alternative methods of gene recombination and selection need to be studied. My objective is to describe a method of gamete selection for simultaneous improvement of multiple traits in common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Gametes election is based on the premise that (i) multiple‐parent crosses are required for simultaneous improvement of multiple traits; (ii) the male parents of the final crosses are heterozygous and hence heterogametic;( iii) each zygotic seed is a product of a separate, independent fertilization event; (iv) further chromosomal and genic recombination is limited to genetic material contained within each initial zygote; and (v) early generation (i.e., F 1 , F 2 , F 3 , and F 4 ) testing and selection are an essential part of the methodology. Thus, eventually, plant‐to‐plant pairwise pollination is done between the elite female and beterogametic male parents (selected a priori for desirable dominant and codominant alleles), followed by harvesting and sowing resultant hybrid seeds from each hybridization event in separate plots to obtain F 1 ‐derived families. These are subsequently evaluated in separate, replicated complementary nurseries for seed yield and other agronomic traits, including reactions to diseases and insects, low soil fertility, and/or drought. This permits identifying promising populations and families within populations possessing genes for multiple desirable traits in early generations for further evaluation, selection, and development of improved cultivars.